MW→p's and q's

p's and q's

EnglishMerriam-Webster Dictionary

v class='subhead-medium-blue' role='heading' aria-level='2'>First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French desmaier, from des- dis- + -maier, from Vulgar Latin *-magare, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German magan to be able — more at may entry 1

dismay

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

to lessen the courage or confidence of //the imposing climb up the mountain dismayed us even before we got started
Synonyms

chill daunt demoralize discourage dishearten dispirit frustrate unman unnerve
Related Words

browbeat bully cow intimidate
depress sadden weigh
afflict try
damp dampen deaden
distress trouble
bother irk vex worry
debilitate enfeeble undermine weaken
frighten horrify scare
Synonymous Phrases

throw cold water on
Near Antonyms

buoy (up) cheer gladden
animate enliven invigorate
enforce fortify reinforce (also reenforce) strengthen
assure reassure
boost energize excite galvanize inspire lift provoke quicken rally stimulate stir
Antonyms

embolden encourage hearten nerve steel
to trouble the mind of; to make

p's and q's — MW · Shobdo